Zhouzhuang Water Town

Known as the “number one water town” in China, Zhouzhuang is in UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre Tentative List and in the first batch of the national 5A scenic spots. The destination preserves traditional architecture with distinct riverside features including revetments, arch bridges, white walls and black tiles.

There are 14 stone bridges built between the 13th and the 20th centuries that are well protected and crisscross the riverways of the town. Over 60 percent of the dwellings still keep their original style. They date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).

What to see here

1. Connected Bridge

The Connected Bridge refers to the Shide Bridge and the Yong’an Bridge attached to each other during the period between 1573 and 1619. Seen from above, the connected bridges -- an arch bridge and a flagstone bridge -- resemble a key used in the past. The late famous artist Chen Yifei (1946-2005) painted the two bridges into his famous work Memory of Hometown in 1984, winning countless praise for the beauty of this enchanting waterfront town.

2. Zhang Family Mansion

One of a handful of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) structures preserved in Zhouzhuang, the Zhang Family Mansion covers an area of more than 1,800 square meters with dozens of rooms and a private garden. It was listed as the one of the foremost protected cultural heritage sites in Jiangsu province.

3. Chengxu Taoist Temple

With its history tracing back over 900 years, the Chengxu Taoist Temple is now an architectural wonder. The complex with three enclosures had been renovated and refurbished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With an area of 1,500 square kilometers, it is known for its grand scales and is one of the outstanding Taoist temples in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.